Milford Planning and Zoning Department under scrutiny; Crabtree to head department for now

MILFORD  A systems analyst will review processes and procedures of the Planning and Zoning Department while the agency remains under investigation by federal authorities, and the assistant city planner will temporarily lead the office.

Sarah W. Walker

Published 12:00 am, Saturday, September 20, 2003

Mayor James Richetelli Jr. on Friday announced appointment of Assistant City Planner Peter Crabtree to temporarily head the department as interim city planner. Richetelli also revealed that a systems analyst would be retained for a department review.

City Planner Wade Pierce, who held the position for 27 years, died earlier this month after a battle with cancer.

"This is a very important juncture in the future of Milford," Richetelli said.

Richetelli said the temporary appointment was worked out Friday morning and that Crabtree had been made aware of the expectations for the position. Richetelli said that it is common to appoint the second in charge as interim department head.

Richetelli said the analyst, meanwhile, will observe department workings and make things "more efficient, more productive." He said a specific individual or company has not been chosen, but the search is on for a candidate.

"The goal (of the Planning and Zoning Department) is to be productive, to be efficient, and to provide the necessary services to the citizens of Milford," Richetelli said.

Richetelli said he wants the analyst to be brought in "as soon as possible," but stressed that it will not be an investigation.

We would "like them to analyze the procedures that are in place," Richetelli said. "Alleged improprieties in the past will be investigated by proper authorities."

Richetelli would not comment on the ongoing investigation by the federal authorities into allegations of a bribe taken by an unidentified city planning official.

The allegation arose in late July after the sentencing of Alfred Lenoci Sr. at U.S. District Court in New Haven for his involvement in the Bridgeport corruption scandal. Prosecutors alleged that Lenoci had paid a $10,000 bribe to an unnamed Milford official.

Lenoci, 67, owned the massive Great River Golf Club and Residential Community, on the Orange line.

In 2001 Lenoci pleaded guilty to one count each of bribery and mail fraud in connection with Bridgeports corruption scandal. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison.

The city is also beginning its search for a new city planner, though Richetelli said that will begin in earnest when a new job description is created.

using suggestions from members of the department and the analyst. Richetelli said that the search will be at least regional, and possibly nationwide.

"This is a golden opportunity for us to look at the entire department and see where we go and what the goals of the department should be," Richetelli said.

Crabtree will assume the duties temporarily, but he will not be given preferential treatment when the application process begins, Richetelli said.

"If he wants to be a candidate thats up to him and he will be given equal opportunity as anyone else," Richetelli said.